The South African Navy commemorated the third anniversary of the SAS Manthatisi tragedy on Sunday, 21 September 2026. The incident occurred during a vertical transfer exercise off Kommetjie in 2023, resulting in the deaths of Lieutenant Commander Gillian Hector, Master Warrant Officer William Mathipa, and Warrant Officer Lucas Mojela. The Navy held a wreath-laying ceremony at Simon's Town Naval Base, attended by families of the fallen mariners, naval officers, and invited guests.
The South African Navy Chief, Monde Lobese, stated that he is waiting for feedback from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, regarding the investigation into the SAS Manthatisi tragedy. Lobese believes that the Navy has complied with all the necessary procedures in the Hawks' probe. He has handed over the Navy's findings from a board of inquiry to the Hawks' investigators.
Commander Romero Hector, the widower of Lieutenant Commander Gillian Hector, has lodged a civil suit against the South African Navy. He was granted access to a classified report related to the incident, which allegedly shows that the SAS Manthatisi was not authorized to conduct the naval exercise that led to his wife's death. The report's contents have not been made public.
The Hawks' investigation into the SAS Manthatisi tragedy is ongoing. Lobese expressed his confidence in the investigation, stating that the Navy is waiting with open arms to hear the outcome of the Hawks' probe. The Navy will take it from there once the findings are released.
The SAS Manthatisi tragedy has had a significant impact on the South African Navy and the families of the fallen mariners. The incident has raised questions about the safety and protocols in place for naval exercises. The Navy's cooperation with the Hawks' investigation is seen as a step towards uncovering the truth behind the tragedy.
The wreath-laying ceremony at Simon's Town Naval Base was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the fallen mariners. The ceremony was attended by naval officers, families, and invited guests, who gathered to pay their respects to Lieutenant Commander Gillian Hector, Master Warrant Officer William Mathipa, and Warrant Officer Lucas Mojela.
The South African Navy will likely take further action once the Hawks' investigation is complete. The Navy has already taken steps to cooperate with the investigation and has handed over its findings from a board of inquiry. The outcome of the Hawks' probe will likely have significant implications for the Navy and the families of the fallen mariners.
Key points
- The South African Navy is waiting for the findings of the Hawks' investigation into the SAS Manthatisi tragedy.
- The widower of one of the fallen mariners has lodged a civil suit against the South African Navy.
- The Hawks' investigation into the SAS Manthatisi tragedy is ongoing, with the Navy cooperating fully.
